The House of Representatives has served an arrest order to former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque after he was cited in contempt for failing to provide documents to justify his significant wealth. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed on Friday that the arrest warrant was delivered to Roque’s law firm office.
The arrest order came after Roque declined to submit the requested documents, which were part of an ongoing investigation into the increased wealth he had accumulated. The investigation is part of a larger inquiry into crimes related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Surigao del Norte Representative Ace Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs and leads the joint committees conducting the probe, said the arrest order had already been signed and was in effect. Barbers also explained that the warrant was signed by the four committee chairs of the QuadCom, a group formed to investigate POGO-related crimes.
The arrest of Roque follows his refusal to comply with requests for information, sparking the contempt order. His detention is set to unfold as the investigation into POGO activities continues, with significant scrutiny on individuals potentially involved in these illicit operations.